Wrestling fans set for Doha show

Manama, February 17, 2013

Hundreds of wrestling fans in Bahrain have booked flights to Doha to see some of the sport's most famous stars in action, our sister newspaper, the Gulf Daily News reported.

They have snapped up the chance to watch household names such as John Cena, CM Punk, Ryback, Kane and Daniel Bryan compete in the ring as part of the two-day Raw World Live Tour event.

It is being held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, starting February 21.

Damien Sandow, Cody Rhodes, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, Zack Ryder and Dolph Ziggler will also make an appearance at the show, which is expected to attract 7,000 fans from across the region on both days.

Tickets for the event, which is being held for the first time in Doha, are being sold at Virgin Megastore in Bahrain and are quickly running out, particularly ringside VIP seats, despite costing BD150 ($394.6).

"Seven thousand WWE fans - 3,500 on each day - from across the Gulf are set to fill the stadium's seats during the two-day tour," said Virgin Qatar and Bahrain marketing manager Nassim Goraied.

"We have seen many fans buy online tickets including hundreds of fans in Bahrain, who will be travelling to Doha mostly for the two days, which have been intentionally chosen to fall on weekend nights.”

"It is now difficult to say how many Bahrainis are coming for the event because there are many expatriates who have also bought tickets, but they all together are around 1,000,” he said.

"There is huge response to the extravaganza especially with the names of superstars that are confirmed to attend including Royal Rumble winner John Cena, record WWE Champion CM Punk, who held the title for 434 days, rising superstar Ryback who is hungry for wins, odd Tag Team Champions Kane and Bryan, and Money in the Bank winner Ziggler amongst other stars that are yet to be confirmed."

Goraied said fans might be in for a treat as current WWE Champion The Rock, who is also a famous Hollywood actor, could be a late addition to the line-up of wrestling stars.

"We will have to wait on The Rock and possibly he could be a last-minute addition, but so far there is no news on his attendance," he said.

Plans are also in the pipeline to host an autograph session and a one-on-one event with the superstars during their stay in the Qatari capital.